Theme parks battle for supremacy
The long-running battle for market share between the leading Gold Coast theme parks has reached new heights of intensity.
Warner Village Theme Parks chief operating officer, Steve Peet, this month announced a host of new developments for the group’s theme parks and resorts – Australian Outback Spectacular, Warner Bros Movie World, Sea World and Wet ’n Wild Water World – which will see millions of dollars injected into attractions.
“This financial year will see a $15 million investment in capital improvements,” Peet said.
“The overall focus is to expand on the visitor experiences and, at the same time, ensure our guests continue to enjoy the attractions already on offer.
“All facets of the group’s operations will benefit from this increased spend.”
Sea World will open an interactive children’s adventure area this summer, as well as a new show for the refurbished Sea Lion Theatre.
“This will complement our latest Imagine Dolphin Show, which is underway at the park,” Peet said.
Wet ’n Wild Water World has also been undergoing a planned expansion over the past few years, with a further two attractions to be unveiled before Christmas.
“One will be the first ever wet-coaster-ride, while the other is an awesome new water slide,” Peet said.
While details are being kept strictly under wraps until opening day, it is believed one ride is a 16-metre ‘wave’, to be known as Surfrider.
Patrons are ‘towed’ onto a giant wave before plummeting down on a giant ‘surfboard’, which simulates the feeling of riding a real 16 metre wave. Wild water and mist recreates the effect of the ocean.
Warner Bros Movie World, which is adjacent Wet ‘n Wild, will open a re-branded kid’s area to be called Kid’s WB Funzone.
The attraction includes a carousel, rides and retail store, all themed with the traditional Looney Tunes characters.
Peet said the fierce competition among park operators had resulted in exceptional savings for consumers – entry fees being just one example.
“We offer a variety of admission options across our parks, including individual, multi-park and annual pass ticketing to meet a wide variety of consumer needs,” he said.
Warwick Sinclair